OU president addresses allegations about former coach

For the first time in her brief reign as Oakland University president, Betty J. Youngblood specifically addressed the allegations aimed at former women’s basketball coach Beckie Francis.

Farmington Hills native Jenna Bachrouche, who played at Oakland from 2010-12, said Francis repeatedly infringed on her religious beliefs. A Muslim, Bachrouche recounted several instances, on campus and on team road trips, where she said Francis made statements and used team activities to impose her Christian beliefs.

The school released a statement June 26 saying it had taken “corrective action” after “non-secular conduct” was brought to its attention. Youngblood’s statement Wednesday, addressed to the university community, reiterated the university’s commitment to diversity.

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“I want to assure you that protecting the freedom of religious, cultural, political and other forms of expression has been and always will be a high priority at Oakland,” the statement read. “At the same time, we hold that freedom from the imposition of others’ views is equally crucial.

“As soon as allegations of religious discrimination came to light, the university acted swiftly to investigate. The university did not tolerate such conduct and will not tolerate such conduct moving forward.

“As a campus community, we will continue to celebrate cultural diversity, inclusion, tolerance and understanding, as well as encourage the expression of all views within the context of appropriate times, places and manner. We will honor every individual’s right to free expression and freedom from imposed expression without fear of reprisal, ridicule or harm.”

The new president did not, however, address allegations of the former coach’s obsession with players’ weight.

Bachrouche also said Francis regularly scrutinized her weight and eating habits, even engaging in weight loss contests with the former North Farmington High standout.

Bachrouche said she informed director of athletics Tracy Huth of Francis’ behavior. He and Francis have both declined comment on the matter and Oakland University employees do not comment on personnel decisions.

Francis tweeted Monday: “Even though it’s tempting to comment on allegations about me, out of respect for the privacy of the student-athletes and others, I will continue to focus my energies on future endeavors and on making a difference. I wish Oakland University the best.”

After revealing last fall she was the victim of childhood sexual abuse by her father, Francis has dedicated her time to advocacy to protect children from abuse including the passage of “Erin’s Law,” aimed at teaching children about sexual abuse.

Francis was fired — with cause, according to the university — June 12 after being placed on unpaid suspension May 30. Long-time OU President Gary Russi, her husband of more than a decade, abruptly announced his retirement just hours earlier that day, although it isn’t official until Aug. 1.

Youngblood repeated, “there is no crisis here,” during an introductory speech to faculty and staff July 11, but did not specifically comment about the allegations brought to light by Bachrouche.

A university spokesman also said he could not specify the nature of the resulting internal investigation into the women’s basketball program that launched in May of this year — and is still ongoing — after an administrator was notified of possible improper conduct in April — one season after Bachrouche had departed. She has since transferred to Western Michigan University, where she was forced to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.

Bachrouche was just one of three transfers from the 2011-12 team. Four players have departed the 2012-13 team, one opting to forgo her final year of athletic eligibility entirely.

Youngblood assumed daily activities at the school July 1, noting Russi was available for consultation concerning presidential matters, but was no longer on campus with the exception of social activities. She has said she will not seek the position on a permanent basis when the Board of Trustees begins its search to find a new leader for the Rochester-area university of nearly 20,000 students.

Francis was fired after 13 seasons at the helm. Former men’s basketball associate head coach Jeff Tungate has been promoted to fill her vacancy.

Paul Kampe covers Oakland University athletics for Digital First Media. Follow him on Tout @PaulKampe.